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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Centers or No Centers?
LaLa1923 06:46 AM 01-29-2013
Do you have them? I'd love to, but I'm not sure I have the space. Please share how you store your toys.
Crazy In Mo 09:15 AM 01-29-2013
I've been considering it, also wondering if I would have the space. I'm interested in hearing others response to this
nanglgrl 11:13 AM 01-29-2013
I have centers. I've posted most of my photos is the decor group but will post them again here for ya.
The first two are the sensory/science center, the third is the building/blocks center and the fourth is the music center. We have other centers but I these gave a good general idea.
The first two are the sensory/science center, the third is the building/blocks center and the fourth is the music center. We have other centers but I these gave a good general idea.
itlw8 11:17 AM 01-29-2013
Yes it keeps the chaos down. NO running through the blocks etc. Even back when I was in my familiy area I had some centers. I put a rug on the floor with the tub of blocks for the block area. the houskeeping stuff was in a different area.
I do have more room now and that makes it easier but centers do help.
I do have more room now and that makes it easier but centers do help.
nanglgrl 11:18 AM 01-29-2013
Here are some photos of my toy and supply storage.
The second photo shows all of the cupboards where I keep supplies/costumes/games/books. I have totes on top that hold play-doh, doll supplies, kitchen supplies, more puppets, cars....etc. Every center has a little of everything, like the dress up center has a few costumes, the home center has a few dishes and foods. I rotate them and this works great because not only do they not make a huge mess they also don't get bored with the centers.
The second photo shows all of the cupboards where I keep supplies/costumes/games/books. I have totes on top that hold play-doh, doll supplies, kitchen supplies, more puppets, cars....etc. Every center has a little of everything, like the dress up center has a few costumes, the home center has a few dishes and foods. I rotate them and this works great because not only do they not make a huge mess they also don't get bored with the centers.
Attached:
096.jpg (62.6 KB) 114.jpg (67.9 KB)
kendallina 11:20 AM 01-29-2013
I have a somewhat small space (20" x 15" I think). I do use centers, but they are not completely closed off by any means.
Block area (2 shelves in an L shape and a rug delineate it)- blocks, animals, cars, etc
Pretend area (kitchen set, shelf, rug to delineate it. Sometimes a small table get put in there depending on what they're up to)
Art area (2 big shelfs, big table)
Quiet area (one shelf, pillow, small rug) This area changes out a lot, sometimes it has a lot of natural things, other times it math manipulatives, etc.
I also have a sensory table that I bring in about 1/2 the time.
Block area (2 shelves in an L shape and a rug delineate it)- blocks, animals, cars, etc
Pretend area (kitchen set, shelf, rug to delineate it. Sometimes a small table get put in there depending on what they're up to)
Art area (2 big shelfs, big table)
Quiet area (one shelf, pillow, small rug) This area changes out a lot, sometimes it has a lot of natural things, other times it math manipulatives, etc.
I also have a sensory table that I bring in about 1/2 the time.
spud912 01:21 PM 01-29-2013
I have a building area, a reading corner, an active play area and a pretend area. I really wish I had more room because there are centers I very badly want to add. Unfortunately, if I were to add centers, it would take away from the openness of the room, which I really like. It would also mean I might have to sacrifice my slide (aka active play area), which I am not willing to do. I have a very active group and I like that they get so much physical activity inside in addition to outside.
If I had a better set-up and more room, I would still have a reading area, a pretend area and an active area, but I would also add
*a separate writing desk (to fit 2 children at a time)
*a separate small table just for the pretend area
*some doll equipment for the pretend area (like a high chair)
*a better storage area for the puppets and possibly a portable puppet theater
*a more separate area for the building supplies
*a separate arts and crafts area
*last but NOT least a science exploration table.
If I had a better set-up and more room, I would still have a reading area, a pretend area and an active area, but I would also add
*a separate writing desk (to fit 2 children at a time)
*a separate small table just for the pretend area
*some doll equipment for the pretend area (like a high chair)
*a better storage area for the puppets and possibly a portable puppet theater
*a more separate area for the building supplies
*a separate arts and crafts area
*last but NOT least a science exploration table.
jokalima 02:01 PM 01-29-2013
My place is really small but I have it divided by centers because it is a lot easier that way and it helps them to have time away from each other from time to time.
daycare 02:32 PM 01-29-2013
I have centers, but mine change weekly...
I store everything in a huge closet. Then according to our theme, I will make centers at the 4 tables that I have set in the room.
this week I have...
build a snow fort, snow man play dough station...
water table- arctic table water toys with ice
arctic animal puzzles
feed the penguin game
I change them out each week.....
I store everything in a huge closet. Then according to our theme, I will make centers at the 4 tables that I have set in the room.
this week I have...
build a snow fort, snow man play dough station...
water table- arctic table water toys with ice
arctic animal puzzles
feed the penguin game
I change them out each week.....
LoraJenkins 05:29 PM 01-29-2013
Not to hijack this thread....but I have a similar question. I am getting a new space I can set up just for daycare use 
. It is a 10'x 12' bedroom right next to the bathroom. I want to set up centers in that room BUT I have a mixed age group of mostly preschoolers and 1 toddler who is just learning to walk. How would you set up centers without the little one always hitting the edges if bookshelves, cubbies, etc that are not flat against the wall?
Right now everything is set up in my livingroom against walls with the center if the room open (not working out). Also, do you think it would be ok to put his crib in the room? Right now the preschoolers nap in the livingroom on cots and his crib is in my room. I plan on keeping the preschoolers in the livingroom for naps but it would be so nice to get the crib out of my master bedroom.
. It is a 10'x 12' bedroom right next to the bathroom. I want to set up centers in that room BUT I have a mixed age group of mostly preschoolers and 1 toddler who is just learning to walk. How would you set up centers without the little one always hitting the edges if bookshelves, cubbies, etc that are not flat against the wall? Right now everything is set up in my livingroom against walls with the center if the room open (not working out). Also, do you think it would be ok to put his crib in the room? Right now the preschoolers nap in the livingroom on cots and his crib is in my room. I plan on keeping the preschoolers in the livingroom for naps but it would be so nice to get the crib out of my master bedroom.
MissSarah 05:46 PM 01-29-2013
Originally Posted by daycare:
I have centers, but mine change weekly...
I store everything in a huge closet. Then according to our theme, I will make centers at the 4 tables that I have set in the room.
this week I have...
build a snow fort, snow man play dough station...
water table- arctic table water toys with ice
arctic animal puzzles
feed the penguin game
I change them out each week.....
That's a good idea! I have centers, but mine change weekly...
I store everything in a huge closet. Then according to our theme, I will make centers at the 4 tables that I have set in the room.
this week I have...
build a snow fort, snow man play dough station...
water table- arctic table water toys with ice
arctic animal puzzles
feed the penguin game
I change them out each week.....
I like how centers can help keep certain toys in certain areas. I don't know if I have the room or not yet either. I think I might sit in the playroom tonight and mull it over
LK5kids 07:32 PM 01-29-2013
I have a housekeeping center, book corner, block center, & sensory table. I am just getting started doing child care again. I have 2 two yr. olds, 1 who just turned one yr. and a 3 mo. old starting in March.
I am in the process of getting licensed.
I have the equipment for a science area, bigger block/construction area, dress up clothes for house center, easel and art area, but with my young group I have plenty of interest areas and toys out.
Also, does anyone know how I post pictures from an ipad?
I am in the process of getting licensed.
I have the equipment for a science area, bigger block/construction area, dress up clothes for house center, easel and art area, but with my young group I have plenty of interest areas and toys out.
Also, does anyone know how I post pictures from an ipad?
daycare 07:36 PM 01-29-2013
Oh yeah. I didn't include my dramatic play area or reading center.
But these two things are always out.
One thing I did just remove is all the play food because several of the kids started mouthing it.
But these two things are always out.
One thing I did just remove is all the play food because several of the kids started mouthing it.
EntropyControlSpecialist 08:13 PM 01-29-2013
I have a home center, transportation center, block center, 2 reading centers, and a lego center. There are other things here and there but those are the main ones (there's a large bus, a large 130 gallon aquarium, a dollhouse, a barnhouse, a large car ramp, etc.). The tabletop play toys and the puzzles are all in the 3rd room where they eat/do art activities. It used to be divided up differently, but these are the things the kids are interested in right now so this is what we have. 
cheerfuldom 08:16 PM 01-29-2013
Originally Posted by LoraJenkins:
Not to hijack this thread....but I have a similar question. I am getting a new space I can set up just for daycare use. It is a 10'x 12' bedroom right next to the bathroom. I want to set up centers in that room BUT I have a mixed age group of mostly preschoolers and 1 toddler who is just learning to walk. How would you set up centers without the little one always hitting the edges if bookshelves, cubbies, etc that are not flat against the wall?
Right now everything is set up in my livingroom against walls with the center if the room open (not working out). Also, do you think it would be ok to put his crib in the room? Right now the preschoolers nap in the livingroom on cots and his crib is in my room. I plan on keeping the preschoolers in the livingroom for naps but it would be so nice to get the crib out of my master bedroom.
I would get rid of the crib and get a pack n play. You can get a very basic one for $25 to $50 second hand. Leave it in your room due to space but fold it up on the evenings and on weekends so you dont feel that the kids are taking over your whole house.Not to hijack this thread....but I have a similar question. I am getting a new space I can set up just for daycare use
. It is a 10'x 12' bedroom right next to the bathroom. I want to set up centers in that room BUT I have a mixed age group of mostly preschoolers and 1 toddler who is just learning to walk. How would you set up centers without the little one always hitting the edges if bookshelves, cubbies, etc that are not flat against the wall? Right now everything is set up in my livingroom against walls with the center if the room open (not working out). Also, do you think it would be ok to put his crib in the room? Right now the preschoolers nap in the livingroom on cots and his crib is in my room. I plan on keeping the preschoolers in the livingroom for naps but it would be so nice to get the crib out of my master bedroom.
LoraJenkins 04:01 AM 01-30-2013
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I would get rid of the crib and get a pack n play. You can get a very basic one for $25 to $50 second hand. Leave it in your room due to space but fold it up on the evenings and on weekends so you dont feel that the kids are taking over your whole house.
I use to use pack n plays but, having 5 cats, they would use them as scratching posts. I went through 3 a year! That is why I use a crib. I wish I could go back to them but it just ends up costing me too much.I would get rid of the crib and get a pack n play. You can get a very basic one for $25 to $50 second hand. Leave it in your room due to space but fold it up on the evenings and on weekends so you dont feel that the kids are taking over your whole house.
originalkat 08:22 AM 01-30-2013
Originally Posted by kendallina:
I have a somewhat small space (20" x 15" I think). I do use centers, but they are not completely closed off by any means.
Block area (2 shelves in an L shape and a rug delineate it)- blocks, animals, cars, etc
Pretend area (kitchen set, shelf, rug to delineate it. Sometimes a small table get put in there depending on what they're up to)
Art area (2 big shelfs, big table)
Quiet area (one shelf, pillow, small rug) This area changes out a lot, sometimes it has a lot of natural things, other times it math manipulatives, etc.
I also have a sensory table that I bring in about 1/2 the time.
Yep, This is my situation as well. If I had more space I would separate it out more, but since my space is limited I just make some general areas.I have a somewhat small space (20" x 15" I think). I do use centers, but they are not completely closed off by any means.
Block area (2 shelves in an L shape and a rug delineate it)- blocks, animals, cars, etc
Pretend area (kitchen set, shelf, rug to delineate it. Sometimes a small table get put in there depending on what they're up to)
Art area (2 big shelfs, big table)
Quiet area (one shelf, pillow, small rug) This area changes out a lot, sometimes it has a lot of natural things, other times it math manipulatives, etc.
I also have a sensory table that I bring in about 1/2 the time.
My space includes the following Learning Centers or Play Areas:
Blocks and Building (Blocks, Magna Tiles, Cars, People, Dinosaurs etc)
Dramatic Play-Play stove, Dress ups, Play food/dishes)
Art Area- Easel, Large Table, Art Supplies are stored under the easel
Quiet Area- Books, Pillows, Magnet Play Boards from Lakeshore, Small felt boards
Math/Science Table (Puzzles, and I put out 1 Math or Science activity in a basket which I rotate each day. It could be counting bears, unifix cubes, magnets etc)
kitykids3 01:46 PM 01-30-2013
I have very little space, but I do have some centers, as much as I can do. Drama center, science/discovery, reading nook, creative center and block center.
Country Kids 02:19 PM 01-30-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
I have a home center, transportation center, block center, 2 reading centers, and a lego center. There are other things here and there but those are the main ones (there's a large bus, a large 130 gallon aquarium, a dollhouse, a barnhouse, a large car ramp, etc.). The tabletop play toys and the puzzles are all in the 3rd room where they eat/do art activities. It used to be divided up differently, but these are the things the kids are interested in right now so this is what we have.
I soooooo love your setup!!!! The bus is my favorite.I have a home center, transportation center, block center, 2 reading centers, and a lego center. There are other things here and there but those are the main ones (there's a large bus, a large 130 gallon aquarium, a dollhouse, a barnhouse, a large car ramp, etc.). The tabletop play toys and the puzzles are all in the 3rd room where they eat/do art activities. It used to be divided up differently, but these are the things the kids are interested in right now so this is what we have.
To anyone that hasn't seen her set up there are pictures of it somewhere.
Also, I love the pictues of everyones setups on the decor group.
I encourage everyone to look at those-
daycare 03:14 PM 01-30-2013
Originally Posted by Country Kids:
I soooooo love your setup!!!! The bus is my favorite.
To anyone that hasn't seen her set up there are pictures of it somewhere.
Also, I love the pictues of everyones setups on the decor group.
I encourage everyone to look at those-
how do I become part of the decor grpup?I soooooo love your setup!!!! The bus is my favorite.
To anyone that hasn't seen her set up there are pictures of it somewhere.
Also, I love the pictues of everyones setups on the decor group.
I encourage everyone to look at those-
LaLa1923 08:04 PM 02-01-2013
Originally Posted by daycare:
I have centers, but mine change weekly...
I store everything in a huge closet. Then according to our theme, I will make centers at the 4 tables that I have set in the room.
this week I have...
build a snow fort, snow man play dough station...
water table- arctic table water toys with ice
arctic animal puzzles
feed the penguin game
I change them out each week.....
Any pics? What age groups do you have? They just play at tables all week?I have centers, but mine change weekly...
I store everything in a huge closet. Then according to our theme, I will make centers at the 4 tables that I have set in the room.
this week I have...
build a snow fort, snow man play dough station...
water table- arctic table water toys with ice
arctic animal puzzles
feed the penguin game
I change them out each week.....
LaLa1923 08:07 PM 02-01-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
I have a home center, transportation center, block center, 2 reading centers, and a lego center. There are other things here and there but those are the main ones (there's a large bus, a large 130 gallon aquarium, a dollhouse, a barnhouse, a large car ramp, etc.). The tabletop play toys and the puzzles are all in the 3rd room where they eat/do art activities. It used to be divided up differently, but these are the things the kids are interested in right now so this is what we have.
Do you have any pics?I have a home center, transportation center, block center, 2 reading centers, and a lego center. There are other things here and there but those are the main ones (there's a large bus, a large 130 gallon aquarium, a dollhouse, a barnhouse, a large car ramp, etc.). The tabletop play toys and the puzzles are all in the 3rd room where they eat/do art activities. It used to be divided up differently, but these are the things the kids are interested in right now so this is what we have.